Author: OpenWorks Franchise

So many people focus on the future, and while having a plan in place is important, it is equally important to never forget to learn from the past. Your experiences speak volumes about your future actions so don’t be afraid to look back on past performances and reflect. Understand that all previous jobs were not experienced in vain. Prior jobs provide entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and tips on how they can keep their business afloat.

Maintaining a thirst for knowledge and success, learning from mistakes, and remaining persistent are some of the most important life experiences that will prepare you for owning your own business/franchise.

Previous Jobs-

Food Industry- From cooking endless meals in a hot compacted kitchen to placing orders from rude hungry customers, the food industry will teach you a lot about handling intense situations in high-pressure environments. Correcting wrong orders and dealing with customer complaints ultimately enables you to inherit sharper problem-solving skills and makes you quicker on your feet.

Retail & Sales- Most seasoned retail and sales employees can read a customer’s profile based on their needs and matches them perfectly with the corresponding product. This adaptive skill will take entrepreneurs far in the business/franchise realm because they have experience successfully making sales to customers from all walks of life.

Customer Support- Customer service reps endure the most unsatisfying sides of people daily — this experience will give you the composure needed in a highly competitive environment. Retaining a disgruntled customer without sacrificing your poise will prepare you for practically any customer challenge you encounter down the road.

Thirst for Knowledge-

There is no better investment than an education. Invest heavily in your education, but only on things that truly interest you. You can never have enough information, education is a lifelong process and it doesn’t end when the class does. Continue to feed your brain about things that can help your business grow.

Ambition-

With ambition comes passion so make sure that your business is in a field that your heart agrees with so that you always look towards the future when inspiring to be a successful business owner. Surround yourself with innovative thinkers and continue to be hungry for better business ventures that way your business lives on long after you’re gone.

Owning a business or franchise is not going to be easy, thousands of entrepreneurs will hear no before they are given the chance to succeed. It is important that you believe in your dream and works hard enough to conquer all obstacles regardless of how many times you face adversity.

OpenWorks is guided by a simple philosophy: A cleaner, safer and healthier environment means a more productive workplace. For more information on how OpenWorks can benefit your facility, visit our website here.

According to VentureOhio’s 2017 Venture Report, there are currently more funding dollars generating through Ohio than ever before by virtue of the capital, Columbus city. Since 2013, nearly $1 billion in new capital has been raised by Ohio-based ventures.

Over 70 percent of those dollars were raised by Columbus-based investors. Many Columbus based-investors direct their efforts and dollars into the city’s economy, businesses, and overall quality of life. Consequently, Columbus is now the top U.S. metro city for young companies progressing into sizable employers enabling large amounts of money to flow not only through the city but the state as well positioning itself as one of the top places to start a franchise.

Tools and Resources

As Columbus entrepreneurial efforts expand, so do the tools and training to fuel and guide its growth.

Companies are not only investing dollars into startup companies, they are building relationships and mentorships to guarantee the companies first-year success.

Because Columbus is so innovative concentrated, it is home to several powerful research organizations such as Ohio State University, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Ohio Health.

Columbus Quality of Life

The cost of living in Central Ohio is 5 percent lower than the national average, making living and working in the Columbus Region affordable.

Columbus consistently leads major cities in business environment and overall environmental quality.

Below are some recognitions Columbus as received over the last 3 years:

With major industries in technology, insurances and education, Columbus is currently listed as one of the top places for businesses and careers by Forbes.

In comparison to traditional entrepreneurial cities such as Boston, New York City, and Silicon Valley, the Columbus Region, and Ohio as a whole, offers significantly lower operating costs for businesses.

The city offers a large quantity of loan programs, partnered with nonprofit lending organizations that have provided more than 7.7 million in total funding to 26 businesses in 2016 alone.

Columbus possess a culture of accountability. Natives encourage each other to purchase, sell, and invest from within. Innovative spirits and progressive minds coherently thrive every day to establish Columbus as the Mecca for business in the nation, which is why now is the time to start a franchise in Columbus, OH.

Interested in learning more about purchasing an OpenWorks franchise? Check out our franchise opportunities here.

Owning a franchise comes with ongoing support that almost guarantees first year success. Although you are not working within your own entrepreneurial vision; you have full support from your franchise community, brand recognition and marketing utensils, training that has been proven to successfully educate employees about customer service, and access to the equipment needed to maintain a successful business.

4 advantages of purchasing a franchise over a start-up business are listed below:

Training Program

Training is paramount to franchisors. It ensures uniformity and consistency amongst all franchisees.

As an independent business owner, it is up to you to establish a training system that educates your employees and enables them to handle any situation that comes their way.

Franchise owners receive training materials that prevent accidents and unfortunate situations whereas a small business owner you learn how to operate through mistakes and discovered successes.

Brand Establishment

As an independent business operator, brand establishment is going to be difficult when you are buying into a new franchise model with no successful proven marketing plan or fan base.

By purchasing a franchise, you are exposed to a brand that is established and hopefully already has the trust of its customers.

It is up to independent business owners to establish stable ongoing marketing materials that build customer loyalty and sales.

Higher Success rate

Franchises usually survive their first five years and maintain high percent growth rates. However, it’s a gamble when it comes to independent business owners.

Owning a franchise can be a very eventful yet flourishing venture that almost guarantees immense success. If you are looking to purchase a franchise, do your research and ensure that you are getting in business with a parent franchise that possessed a very high success rate. If you’d like to learn more about Openwork’s franchise opportunities, visit our website to find out more here.

Franchises are often described as businesses with a safety net, or a business-in-a-box. While these metaphors do a good job of highlighting the fact that there is usually less risk and stress involved in purchasing a franchise as opposed to starting a business on your own, they don’t prepare a potential franchise owner for the level of research they should undergo before deciding to purchase a franchise.

Why do you need to do your research? Because while it’s true that purchasing a franchise may provide you with an established brand, administrative support, and many other benefits, it’s still a big commitment. Investing in a franchise is an investment in yourself, but also in the franchisor.

So, how do you make sure you’re prepared? To start you off, we’ve gathered a list of top questions to ask your franchise sales person before purchasing:

How long will it take for me to break even?You’re going to want to know when you can first expect to start breaking even so you can prepare yourself financially. If it typically takes several months to break even, and longer to become profitable, you’ll want to know so you can make the most informed decision.

How do they choose their franchise owners?Franchisors look for franchise owners that represent their brand. They may be looking to see if you align with the company in terms of personality and skillset. Similarly, it’s good to know that a franchisor has some sort of vetting process for selecting their franchisees.

Is the franchisor in a strong position, financially?Before you invest your time and money into a franchise, you’ll want to know whether or not the franchisor is in good financial standing. After all, you’re investing in this company as much as they’re investing in you. A franchisor’s FDD (Franchise Disclosure Documents) will disclose their financial statements and provide you with a better idea of their income.

What’s my income potential?This question is key when it comes to determining if a franchise is right for you. Ask what the average earnings are for a franchisee, and whether or not there is capacity to grow. This is significant when it comes to making your final decision. You might be happy to run a business of a certain size, or you may want more out of your franchise over time.

What makes them different from other similar franchises?Ask what sets this franchisor apart from other franchisors in the same industry. What training and support do they provide? What’s the potential to grow the franchise? What makes them special?

What support is provided by the franchisor?Finding out how much support you’ll receive from the franchisor will be a good indication of what you’ll get out of your purchase. Some franchisors will provide a week or two of training, and then the franchisee is expected to operate independently after that, whereas others will be more hands-on, and will provide support on a more frequent basis. Asking this question will allow you to determine what you want out of your franchise and make the decision that’s right for you.

OpenWorks’s best in class commercial cleaning franchise business model is unique because it takes a comprehensive approach to helping franchisees meet the challenges of operating their businesses. To learn more about our franchise opportunities, visit our website here.

Starting a franchise is generally easier than starting your own business. Franchisees are usually given a blueprint that gets their franchise location up and running. Here are a few tips that you should know if you are thinking about making that commitment:

Research is a must:

Educate yourself on the success rate of the franchise. A major advantage of purchasing a franchise is the endless amount of information available on strengths and weaknesses; so that you know what to look out for once you’re up and running.

The average franchise fee can run between 20,000-35,000, not including ongoing royalty fees which are typically between 5 and 6 percent of volume and start-up fees that are paid to secure franchise rights. Franchise fees are typically illustrated in the Franchise agreement.

Franchisors typically provide training and material support for all employees especially the investor. Franchisee owners are expected to not only handle books but unclog toilets as well, the investor is expected to know every position so make sure that you are prepared to get your hands dirty.

The show must go on:

Franchise fees are continuous so it’s important that the location continues to grow. An advantage of being a part of a franchise is the endless marketing and support that will guide you in the right direction.

It is the franchisee’s responsibility to maintain franchise standards and employee relations to ensure endless success.

Franchisors usually continue to check in on the quality and success of your franchise.

Successful vs. unsuccessful:

Franchises are judged by franchisers based on how well they abide by guidelines, collaboration, and sales.

When you think of Philadelphia, you may think of the city’s infamous cheesesteaks, the Liberty Bell, the rich and varied history – and you would be right to! However, Philadelphia represents so much more than that. Swiftly becoming known as one of the more affordable cities on the east coast, Philadelphia should be on the top of a business owner’s list of markets to consider for a new business. Here’s why:

A Thriving Economy

In a city where the cost of living is 6% below the national average, Philadelphia is also one of the most thriving economies in its region. Given its location to Washington. D.C. and New York, it is strategically placed for its 6 million residents. It has a vibrant creative scene filled with arts, music and theater, and also ranks as the nation’s fifth largest city. For a business location, the inexpensive cost of living and low labor costs make it the perfect opportunity for a new business owner looking to get their foot in the door.

Something for Everybody

Philadelphia is a city known for its variety – no two areas are the same, which means there’s something for everyone. Additionally, Philadelphia is known to be less expensive than east coast neighbors Boston and New York, which means that renting or buying is more easily affordable. And, when the median home price is $163,500, there’s plenty of choice in that regard. Philadelphia is also a perfect example of a city that makes excellent use of public transport links, offering trains, subways and buses up for service. If public transport isn’t for you, then consider walking or using your bike – the city is highly walkable and friendly towards cyclists. Not to mention, the city has a rich and vibrant history and hosts some beautiful sites of natural beauty.

An Industry Hub

Philadelphia is a hub for commercial, educational and cultural opportunity. As well as its historic landmarks, Philadelphia is well known for its renowned research universities and has cultivated several major industries, including bio-science, financial services and tourism. For a new business looking to break ground, Philadelphia offers openings across a variety of sectors.

If you’d like to learn more about OpenWorks’ franchise opportunities, visit our website to find out more.

When you think of the city of Nashville, you probably think of “Music City”, or the bright, vibrant colors and Southern charm – and you wouldn’t be wrong! Nashville has a reputation for being a thriving, bustling city, filled with music and great food. It’s also becoming one of the top cities for young business owners and offers a great quality of life. If you’ve ever thought about owning a franchise, here’s why OpenWorks’ expansion into the Nashville market could be great news for you:

One of the Fastest Growing Economies in the Country

Earlier this year, Tennessee’s Secretary of State’s office posted an 8.7% gain in the number of business filings compared to the first three months of the previous year. If that wasn’t enough, the state’s employment growth is outpacing the nation, increasing by 2.2% in March. This rapid growth is primarily being led by booms in the construction and tourism industries, proving that both businesses and people are flocking to the state in droves. For a new business owner, it makes for perfect ground on which to establish a strong marketplace hold.

Great Quality of Life

Hailed by Forbes as the ‘The Next Biggest Boom Town in the U.S.’, Nashville is nevertheless maintaining house prices that fall below the nation average, ensuring a great quality of life for its residents. With a median home price of $167,500, there’s ample opportunity for a young entrepreneur to enjoy Nashville’s wide variety of restaurants, bars and live music hangouts. If that doesn’t float your boat, Nashville also offers much by way of arts and culture, including free exhibits and receptions – it even boasts its own full-scale replica of the Parthenon! If you feel like getting out of the city, there are stunning countryside views, wineries and historic small towns just outside of Nashville.

Thriving Industries Across the Board

There’s plenty of opportunity in Nashville to break ground across a variety of sectors. While the science and technology industries are particularly gaining traction, Tennessee is well known to be the hub of the nation’s health care system, with hundreds of global healthcare companies calling the state home. As the job market continues to really come into its own, the Nashville area offers a new franchise owner the chance to bring their business to the next level.

If you’d like to learn more about OpenWorks’ franchise opportunities, visit our website to find out more.

When we think of Orlando, we typically think of sunshine and Disney World, but the city is so much more than that. As well as being a top tourist destination, the city is known for its distinct neighborhoods and unique character. If you’re considering becoming your own boss, here’s why opening an OpenWorks franchise in Orlando could be the right move for you:

Picturesque Neighborhoods and Tranquil Scenes

Orlando boasts a variety of impressive historic neighborhoods for residents who are looking for some character in where they live. Even just walking through these districts will show views of stunning brick-lined trees, a ton of restaurants and interesting little boutiques. If historic neighborhoods don’t peak your interest, Orlando is ranked as the 26th largest metro area in the country, and has a variety of suburbs and surrounding cities to host people from all walks of life. Orlando also has stunning country and lakeside views that offer a calm oasis from hectic city life.

Orlando’s Economy is Set to Grow

Florida, and Orlando in particular, is set to experience some serious economic growth this year, with recent surges in consumer spending and an overall increase in consumer confidence. Orlando’s economy continues to diversify and grow as it benefits from the millions of tourists that flock to the city every year. With significant industry sectors such as tech, aviation, and film and television maintaining a strong foothold in the city, a new business owner would have ample opportunities to get their business off the ground here.

Excellent Quality of Life

The cost of living in the Orlando metro area is lower than the national average, which means that residents get to enjoy a higher quality life and sample the delights of Orlando. Whether that’s taking advantage of the fresh seafood, enjoying the perks of living in such proximity to world-renowned tourist attractions or reveling in the beautiful weather, Orlando offers itself up as an engaging and diverse city for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for a thriving economy and a fun place to live, look no further than Orlando!

Interested in learning more about purchasing an OpenWorks franchise? Check out our franchise opportunities here.

Portland is a city that needs no real introduction – known for its vibrant and thriving culture, abundance of food, art and a true outdoor lifestyle, it’s one of the country’s most lively cities. For anyone considering opening their own franchise, here’s why Portland should be on the top of your list:

One of The Fastest-Growing Metro Areas in the Country

Numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show that the Portland metropolitan region grew at a rate of 1.72% between 2014 and 2015, and the area shows no sign of slowing down. The region’s rapid growth is largely due to the large migration of residents from other parts of the country who are eager to become part of one of the States’ most progressive cities. Considering that the metro area has a per capita GDP of $65,473, it’s not hard to see why Portland is a promising place in which to open your own business.

One of The Best Places for Business and Careers

According to Forbes, Portland ranked third on its “2015 List of The Best Places for Business and Careers”, up 18 places from the previous year. The city, known for its friendly and relaxed lifestyle, is also a hub for innovation and a talented workforce. As well as hosting a multi-faceted infrastructure of employees, the city supports a variety of major industries, making it the perfect ground for an up-and-coming franchise owner. From the tech world, to manufacturing and healthcare industries, there’s bountiful opportunity for an entrepreneur to make their mark.

The Portland Lifestyle

Portland’s unique lifestyle is why so many people flock to this Pacific Northwest city. Progressive and inclusive, it’s easy to see what draws people to its streets. Whether it’s farmer’s markets, music, or food trucks, there’s plenty to supplement this city and satisfy those desiring a friendly, laid-back environment. Not only that, but the city boasts an impressive array of microbreweries and the state itself has over 400 wineries. Whatever your interests, Portland is bound to have something to suit you. For business owners looking for both work and play, Portland is sure not to disappoint.

If you’re looking for everything a big city has to offer, with the friendly, family feel of a smaller town, then look no further than San Antonio. If you’ve ever considered owning a franchise, here’s why OpenWorks’ recent expansion into the San Antonio market could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for:

One of the Best Places to Live in the USA

A recent study ranked San Antonio as number 23 in the country’s best places to live. With the warm climate, low cost of living, and close-knit communities, it’s no wonder that people are flocking to San Antonio in droves. Residents get to enjoy beautiful scenery, including city parks and rivers, a thriving food scene, and no end of fun and interesting activities. Whether the San Antonio Museum of Art is your thing, scouring for food trucks and quirky new pop-ups, or just cycling around the city, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

High Standard of Living

If you’re looking to invest in a home in the Lone Star state, look no further than San Antonio. A report published this year by the San Antonio Board of Realtors shows a median home price of $199,400, there are neighborhoods to fit every budget. For franchise owners looking to get their business up and running, you could do far worse than investing in a city which has seen a 3% increase in job growth over the past year. San Antonio dwellers enjoy a cost of living lower than the national average, and they pay less for expenses such as food, and even health care. With a unique history and culture (Tex-Mex, anyone?) San Antonio has grown into a hub of opportunity and expanding industry sectors. What better place to start a business?

Thriving Job Market

San Antonio has a very healthy job market, with unemployment rates dropping to 3.9% from 4.2% earlier this year. A notable gain in employment growth came from the health care industry, but there is also a strong demand from employers in the finance, computer science, and cybersecurity industries. Forbes has hailed San Antonio as one of the next biggest boom towns in the U.S., so if you’re looking to start your business in a flourishing market, you could do no better than San Antonio, Texas.

If you’re interested in opening a franchise with OpenWorks, visit our franchise opportunities page to find out more.